After having a supernatural power at “Kinomiya Shrine”, I walked for "Kiunkaku" following the map ( ←open it for sure ! ). On my way, I found a small shrine named “Yuzen Shrine”, worshipped through the ages as the god of hot-spring in Atami. It was very interesting to me that people purify their hands or mouth after the gate with hot spring !

Now, attention please on the name “Yuzen”. It literally means “In front of hot water”. So, which water ? Remember I introduced a geyser at “Ieyasu no Yu” in the first place ? 　Across the alley, there is another geyser “Ohyu Geyser” ( �G on the map ) that has been supposedly regarded as one of the original sources of Atami Onsen hot springs.

The phone booth beside it is the replicated first phone booth in Japan in commemoration as the first city of out-of-city call. Yes, that is definitely true ! The out-of-city call started first in Atami ! So why ? Because major politicians used to come to Atami onsen resort for rest, they needed the circumstance to be able to reach someone in Tokyo any time. So, one single line was exclusively operated for outside the city call only here in Atami ! Atami is such a resort !

Strolling further, I passed Itokawa River (or Ito River ) where is very popular this season for “Atami Cherry Blossoms”. According to the website of Atami City Tourism Association, about 80 % of the cherry blossoms have been in bloom now. ＾＾ It’s being illuminated in the night until Feb 13 !

I walked on along the street, passing by “Atami Geigi Kenban” ( �E on the map ) where you can see dance performances by Geisha. You can enjoy it “Hana no Mai” at 11:00 on Saturdays and Sundays for ￥1300. And please be informed that “Atami Wodori” the annual Geisha’s largest event will be held on Apr 28 & 29 as in the past. For further information, please see my previous record or this official page.＾＾

I guess I had walked for more than 20 minutes when I came across a seemingly boundless wall. This is it, “Kiunkaku” ( �D on the map ).
This was originally a second mansion of an influential politician, once temporarily used as a gorgeous Japanese Inn, and is now a tangible cultural property of Atami City. You can tour around it for ￥500. I stepped in it and astonished by the extravagantly luxurious architecture and its wonderful garden.

You will see next time.＾＾

By for now !

“Shizuoka Guide” is our official English blog website for events & sightseeing. Always with you ! ＾＾

I left Matsuzaki by Tokai express bus at 13:01 and arrived at Izukyu Shimoda Station at 13:45. Because I had an appointment with a staff of Shimoda Ropeway, I just walked around it to take some pictures and met him for an interview.

Walk right to the front road from Shimoda Station, and Shimoda Ropeway is just right there. This ropeway leads you to the Mt. Nesugata, if literally translated, the mountain that looks like someone lying down, and indeed it did.

He gave me brochures and a promotion DVD.
On Mt. Nesgata is Nesugata Nature Park, where you can see flowers all the year around, Buddist statue “Aizen-Myoo” for love, babies and safe delivery and other wishes, and Photo Memorial Hall. Sounds good to me !＾＾
I took gondola which took not more than five minutes to the top. Walking through the gift shop, I stepped on the observation deck and found a spectacular view ! From the Nesugata Nature Park, you can see the city of Shimoda, Shimoda port, Izu Seven Islands, and magnificent mountains of Amagi. Walking along the walkway, I found some observation decks. Gracious to us tourists, isn’t it ? I dropped at every deck, taking pictures, and a little rest. Now, please see what I saw there.

I strolled farther, choosing the trails to “Aizen-Myoo-do”. Yellow flowers along the pathway. In about 20 minutes from the ropeway station, I passed Photo Memorial Hall and found a small red architecture. Beside it are hundreds of Jizo statues of 800 years ago. Please click on the middle picture to enlarge. Can you see statues with red aprons ? I pressed my hands together before them and stood in front of the red room. Aizen-Myoo was right there. Unsmiling but somehow affectionate and sympathetic. I closed my eyes to say thank you for everything in my mind.

Aizen Myoo

Click to enlarge

Photo Memorial Hall

On my way back to the ropeway station, I found a cannon beside the pathway. To that moment, I had completely forgotten that Shimoda is a city of history. This is the watch-deck for black ships of Commodore Perry. Peaceful nature park harmonized with old history. What a drastic wedding !

When you visit Shimoda, be sure to find Shimoda Ropeway and get this beautiful city and the wide open sea all to your self !

Next time, I’ll report one of the most adorable animals.
Good day !＾＾


Shimoda Ropeway
Access from Izukyu Shimoda Station ： 1 minute on foot
Gondola ticket ： ¥1000 for adults / ¥500 for children ( round trip )
Open ： 9:00 – 17:00 ( 9:00 – 17:15 in July and August )
About 3 minutes to Nesugata Nature Park ※Gondola leaves every 10 or 15 minutes

“Shizuoka Guide” is our official English website for sightseeing, always with you ! ＾＾